Press Releases

Boating Safety Challenge Exam Offered At Providence Boat Show

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is offering a free Boating Safety Challenge Exam at the Providence Boat Show – which kicks off Friday at the Rhode Island Convention Center and runs through Sunday. The Exam, administered by the DEM Division of Law Enforcement, will be held on Saturday, February 3 between 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Challenge Exam takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. People should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. for the test and bring photo identification. Children under the driving age (who do not have photo identification) must have a legal guardian present. Pre-registration is not required. Results will be sent via postal mail following the exam. Individuals who are taking the Exam for certification should complete the online study course and review the Handbook of Rhode Island Laws and Responsibilities in advance of the test. Study packets are also available by calling the DEM Division of Law Enforcement at (401) 222-3070.

Information on boating safety and laws, registration and renewals, boater education courses, and related topics will be offered at the DEM booth throughout the Show (Booth #17). Boater education courses are mandatory for all boaters born after January 1, 1986 who operate a boat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower, and for all operators, regardless of age, of personal watercraft.

There are nearly 40,000 registered boats in Rhode Island. Forms for registering and titling new boats will be available at the DEM booth. Rhode Island's network of nearly 90 public boat ramps and the world-class sailing venue at Fort Adams State Park in Newport helps to make Narragansett Bay and the state's waters accessible to all Rhode Island boaters. Visit DEM online for more information on boating in Rhode Island.

DEM is partnering with Sail Newport, the State of Rhode Island, and Commerce RI to host the 2018 Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover at historic Fort Adams from May 8 to May 20. Rhode Island will once again be the only North American stopover port for this grand prix sailing event. The event promises to bring an international spotlight to the first-class amenities and services we have in Rhode Island. Key dates include the opening of the public race village on May 8. The boats are expected to arrive in Rhode Island on May 10 and 11. The in-port racing will take place May 17-19 and the boats will leave Newport for a first-time stopover in Cardiff, Wales on May 20. We invite you to experience the excitement of the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover. For more information, visit http://www.volvooceanracenewport.com

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.